Amarante: Discover the Authentic Charm of Northern Portugal's Hidden Gem
Amarante, a city where it is good to meet. Enjoy long walks along the Tamega River and admire the views offered by its mountain ranges
Amarante is a city in northern Portugal, located on the banks of the Tâmega, in the district of Porto near the Douro Valley.
This charming and authentic city in Portugal offers sublime picturesque landscapes and has a great religious heritage.
If you travel near Amarante, multiple walks will amaze you and typical pastries of the city will delight your taste buds.
Amarante: majestic landscapes
Natural beauty and authentic Portuguese charm are the two main characteristics of Amarante.
Find an accomodation More about Amarante's water park
Between river and mountains, the nature of this place will soothe and rejuvenate you. Let yourself be carried away by the tranquil rhythm of the Tâmega River, a tributary of the Douro, and the splendor of the horizons offered by the Amarante Forest Park. Also discover sublime megalithic structures on the Abobeira mountain range.
Do you like hiking or sports activities in the great outdoors? go to the forest park, one of the greatest symbols of Amarante. It overlooks the Tâmega River and covers more than 5 hectares.
Have a great holiday in Amarante
Did you come to relax? The city of Amarante has beautiful river beaches where it is possible to have a good time. A beach bar, a picnic park and many other facilities have been set up on the praia fluvial dos Poços, located in the center of Amarante.
Are you looking for activities? The town of Amarante also has a golf course, one of the largest water parks in Portugal and even traditional boats (the "guigas") on which you can go for a ride on the Tâmega River.
The monuments and architecture of Amarante
In the heart of Amarante is a historic town center made up of typical streets.
Among many 17th century buildings, there are many old architectures not to be missed if you find yourself in the town of Amarante.
The Church of Sao Pedro
Built on an old chapel, the Church of Sao Pedro is a monument of Baroque architectural style. Admire on its tower and its facade, the religious expression of Portugal.
If you cross the doors of the sacristy, you will find yourself below a magnificent ceiling decorated with sublime wooden sculptures.
Sao Domingos Church
Walk along a dirt road and find, on your way, the entrance to the Church of Sao Domingos.
This building also has a baroque architectural style and has, inside, many golden sculptures dating from the 18th century.
Alongside it is the Museum of Sacred Art. Thus, contemplate beautiful pieces of art related to the heritage of the city and its sacred religion.
Sao Gonçalo Bridge
One of the biggest attractions in the town of Amarante!
This bridge is the renovation of an old fortified bridge dating from medieval times.
Located above the Tâmega River, it symbolizes the legends around the miracles of Sao Gonçalo. Indeed, according to the sayings and the legend, this priest would have been able to lift large stones by hand and would have seen water coming out of these stones.
Beyond this legend, it is also on this bridge that blood flowed during the confrontation between the Portuguese people and the Napoleonic troops. It is in memory of a fight led by General Silveira that two obelisks were built at the ends of the bridge.
The Church and Convent of Sao Gonçalo
The convent of Sao Gonçalo was built on the same site as a religious temple dating from the Middle Ages. Its construction will have lasted almost 60 years.
This monument is, without doubt, the greatest pride of Amarante since multiple pilgrimages are made in honor of "Saint" Gonçalo. The remains of this former Catholic and popular priest are in a chapel very close to this monastic complex.
This building is a mixture of several architectural styles (Mannerist, Baroque and Renaissance) and has a fascinating interior and exterior.
Many other monasteries are at your disposal. If you like days filled with cultural visits, the city of Amarante will meet your expectations.
Vary the pleasures and also take a tour of the Amadeo De Souza-Cardoso museum (Portuguese modern and contemporary art museum) or the "Solar los Magalhaes" (a 16th century mansion)
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